Laicos Farms and Kogi L-PRES Empowers 160 Livestock Farmers with Investment training in Kogi State

In a strategic push to boost livestock productivity and promote agribusiness excellence in Kogi State, Laicos Farms, in partnership with the World Bank and the Kogi Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has launched an intensive training programme for 160 livestock farmers across Anyigba, Lokoja, and Okene—three major agricultural hubs in the state.

The initiative is part of the World Bank-funded L-PRES project, which is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s livestock value chain and build resilience against climate and economic shocks. With livestock agriculture playing a vital role in food security and rural development, the training is seen as a significant step towards sustainable transformation in the sector.

“This training is more than just a capacity-building program,” said Oyewole Joledo, Director of Laicos Farms. “It’s a long-term investment into the future of agribusiness in Kogi State, equipping our farmers with the skills, tools, and access to funding they need to thrive in a competitive, evolving industry.”

Farmers participating in the programme are being equipped with modern agribusiness development strategies, investment readiness skills, access to World Bank credit schemes, and essential financial literacy for improved farm management. The aim is to empower participants with practical knowledge that will enable them to expand their operations, attract investment, and manage their agribusinesses sustainably.

The Kogi LPRES Coordinator, Mr, Otaru had this to say;

I want to use this opportunity to thank and appreciate his excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman ododo, the chief servant of Kogi State for creating this enabling environment for us.

And it’s just not funding , he always have a means of monitoring supervision and tracking us for us to bring him feedback on how our farmers are getting this support, the impact of these farmers.”

The partnership between Laicos Farms, Kogi L-PRES, and the World Bank underscores the potential of public-private collaborations in driving innovation and inclusivity within Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. The organisers say the training will not only enhance productivity but also reduce unemployment and position Kogi State as a key player in livestock agribusiness nationally.

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) is a World Bank initiative focused on improving livestock productivity, building resilience to shocks, and strengthening institutional response across Nigeria’s livestock sector.

With this ongoing training, Kogi farmers are expected to be better prepared for the challenges of modern agribusiness, setting the stage for long-term growth in the state’s agricultural economy.